MID-DAY (July 27, 2017)

Commenting on the ongoing debate on nepotism, Kajol says an artiste’s talent is what truly drives him to success.

Responding to the incident that occurred at the IIFA awards earlier this month, when filmmaker Karan Johar poked fun at actress Kangana Ranaut for criticizing him for being nepotistic, Kajol said, “I think it is a debate brought on by two personalities [referring to Johar and Ranaut] who have decided to quote-unquote each other.” Kajol added that she doesn’t see anything amiss in a child’s desire to follow in the footsteps of his or her parents. “I honestly think it’s a moot point because every child wants to grow up and be like their parents. Lawyers’ children grow up and become lawyers, and doctors’ children grow up and become doctors. And sometimes, both of their children become actors.”

Kajol, 42, who is the daughter of veteran actress Tanuja, feels it is only hard work which has made people in Bollywood successful. “It is an open world. It is a free space. Anybody can become anything they want to become. The people who have succeeded in the industry, and by example you can take any name you want, have succeeded because of their talent and sheer hard work. I don’t think all the people who have succeeded have that much to claim over their bloodline.”